Remotely deployable vapor delivery device

ABSTRACT

A remotely deployable vapor delivery device is described that is conveniently and effectively deployed in a hard-to-reach location. The device is approximately spherical in shape, and includes an integrated reservoir containing the desired vapor producing substance, an evaporative surface and means for continuous flow of the vapor producing substance from the integrated reservoir to the evaporative surface which provides an approximately constant vapor delivery rate. The advantages of the embodiments include a device that can be conveniently tossed or rolled, is compact in size, provides a maximal amount of stored vapor producing substance, has an efficient usage rate of the stored vapor producing substance and provides a long operating lifetime. Other advantages of the embodiments described include hands-free activation, self-righting after deployment, tamper resistance, non-energized operation, a modest number of low cost parts that are readily manufactured and assembled, and easy retrieval.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/383,217, filed Sep. 15, 2010, by the presentinventors, which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to the field of supplying an air-modifyingvapor to a difficult to reach location. Specifically, the applicationdescribes a remotely deployable vapor delivery device for emitting orreleasing a volatile air-modifying vapor or agent to the surrounding airof a hard to reach or inaccessible location. In general, the purposesfor such vapor delivery systems can be for masking odors, providing apleasing aroma or also to provide an aroma that is noxious ordiscouraging to rodents or pests for the purposes or repelling them. Oneexample of the use of such a device is for discouraging rodents or pestsfrom entering a house by providing a discouraging vapor at their knownentry points.

BACKGROUND

In regard to natural air-modifying agents that repel vermin, there are anumber of aromatic oils, such as peppermint, eucalyptus and spearmintwhich are well known and sold commercially for this purpose. An exampleis the Mouse Away line of products from Dreaming Earth Botanicals.Peppermint oil can be a key ingredient in a rodent repelling solution.The delivery method for the Mouse Away products is simply to use anabsorbing medium which is impregnated with their proprietary blend ofspearmint and peppermint oils. The device is placed in the desiredlocation and the vapor evaporates from all of the exposed surfaces ofthe device. Additionally, simply soak a cotton ball and place it in thedesired location. This simple device will function in the same manner,repelling rodents for a relatively short period of time. Onedisadvantage of this “Soaked Cotton Ball” approach is the non-constantdelivery rate of the peppermint oil vapor from such a device. The MouseAway products are essentially equivalent to the “soaked cotton ball” inthat an absorbing material is saturated with the oil solution and simplyallowed to evaporate from there.

In this basic soaked cotton ball approach, the evaporative surface willbe soaked to its highest level at the start and as the materialevaporates, the surface concentration will drop. The vapor deliveryrate, which is proportional to surface area and concentration at thatsurface, will then be a maximum at the start of the operation of thedevice and will simply decrease with time. Since it is generallydesirable to modify the air for the desired purpose both at a particularlevel and for the longest period of time possible, it is readilyapparent that this approach accomplishes neither. Because the deliveryrate decreases with time, it must be designed to be significantly higherthan required at the start in order to gain an appreciable lifetime ofoperation. In other words, excess vapor delivery is required at thestart of operation.

For the case of repelling rodents, it can be appreciated that a certainconcentration of vapor is required to effectively repel them from anarea. At some point the simple soaked cotton ball device dries out tothe extent that the concentration of the evaporating vapor falls belowan effective level and the device ceases to function as desired. In sucha simple device, the only time that the device produces the minimum buteffective dose is just prior to the device becoming ineffective.

Clearly, one main disadvantage of this simple soaked cotton ballapproach is that the delivery rate of the vapor is not optimized. Thevapor delivery rate must necessarily be at or above the required levelto start, and then will continually decrease, falling below the desiredlevel at some point in time. The maximum total lifetime of the device isattained by soaking the absorbing material until it is completelysaturated. This non-uniform delivery is the primary cause of the shortlifetime of these devices as the initial saturated device typicallydelivers vapor in excess of that required.

Another disadvantage of these simple devices is that to extend thelifetime requires a manual procedure to refill the device or replace it,and there is no provision for being able to retrieve such a deviceconveniently from a remotely deployed location. In addition, althoughthese devices can be tossed into some remote locations, they are notspecifically designed for this type of deployment and therefore may notoperate effectively.

There are also delivery methods for providing an air modifying agentthat are energized devices, i.e. they rely on stored energy, such as abattery, or require electrical power. Requiring electrical power from ahousehold outlet necessarily limits the ability to locate the device inhard to reach locations. Likewise, a battery operated device suffersfrom the disadvantages of either (1) the size or mass required forconventional sized batteries, or (2) the expense and short lifetime oftypical button-sized batteries. Additionally, the difficulty of changinga battery is complicated in the application of the device in difficultto reach locations.

The most familiar example of a vapor delivery device is a commonair-freshener, where an aromatic substance, in liquid form, is containedin a vented container. The method of delivery of an air-modifying agentincludes an integrated liquid reservoir connected to an evaporativesurface. The liquid is then internally transported to an evaporativesurface from which the air-modifying vapor emanates. These devicesgenerally contain a reservoir of the desired vapor in liquid form, anevaporative surface from which the liquid solution evaporates and adelivery mechanism which transports the liquid continually from thereservoir to the evaporative surface. These types of reservoircontaining evaporative sources are well known as air-modifying devicesand are commonly used as “air fresheners” or “insect repelling devices”.During operation, the liquid air modifying ingredient is continuallytransported to the evaporative surface, typically through wicking orcapillary action, without the application of external power. From theevaporative surface, the desired liquid solution evaporates into thesurrounding air flow through apertures or vents. The air modifyingingredient then evaporates into the surrounding air until the reservoiris depleted.

This integrated reservoir method is typically able to achieve a moreconstant delivery rate of the desired vapor and thus increase thelifetime of the device. The primary disadvantage of theintegrated-reservoir air freshener, as described in the prior art, canbe appreciated once one considers remotely deploying such a device bytossing or rolling. The existing devices were never intended, nordesigned, to be tossed, rolled or thrown. Particularly, these devices donot contain any combination of design features required to accomplishremote deployment.

SUMMARY

In the case of discouraging rodents or pests, it is often desirable tomodify the air in a particular location that is not easily accessible,such as behind or underneath a cabinet or inside the construction of awall. It is often the case that in these difficult to reach locations,small gaps in construction can function as entry points for rodents orvermin. The locations often have restricted airflow and contain arelatively small volume of air about the entry point location. If anentry point in a constricted area such as this is suffused with theappropriate concentration of a rodent or vermin repelling vapor, it cancreate a barrier to rodents or pests, blocking their entry. In order toaccomplish this function in a convenient and effective manner, it isadvantageous to have a device that; can be deployed by tossing orrolling; is relatively compact in size; automatically assumes adesirable orientation after deployment; begins or continues operation ina hands-free manner after deployment; and operates effectively for thelongest possible period of time.

In order to toss or roll a vapor producing device into a hard to reachlocation, it is desirable that the device have an approximatelyspherical shape to its outer structure. It is also important that thedevice is constructed of materials of suitable durability so thatcomponents of the device do not fracture or break with the impacts ofdeployment. Additionally, if the device has multiple parts, they must beattached securely to each other so that the device stays together andfunctions properly after deployment.

Vapor delivery devices also typically require the storage of some amountof the vapor producing substance or substances somewhere in the interiorof the device. It can also be appreciated that for the rodent or verminrepelling application, the geometry of the space or access to the spacewhere the device is to be deployed may be narrow or physically limiting.It is thus desirable that the device is relatively compact. However,since the operating lifetime of the device is dependent on the amount ofstored vapor producing substance, it is important that this storagevolume is maximized. It can be appreciated that an approximatelyspherical shape also serves to provide the largest interior volume for agiven maximum device dimension. Thus the approximately spherical shapeis desirable not only for tossing and rolling during deployment, but tomaximize internal storage volume and therefore maximize the deviceoperating lifetime.

Additionally, if the device is deployed in a difficult to reachlocation, it will likely not be convenient to manipulate or handle thedevice, such as to activate it, or to start it operating after it isdeployed. This ability to have the device begin operating effectivelyafter deployment without contact or manipulation would typically bedescribed as “self-starting” or “hands-free” activation. There are threeconvenient methods for providing hands-free operation in regard toactivating the device after deployment. The first hands free approachwould be some technique for remotely starting the device, initiatedperhaps by sound or radio communication. The second hands-free startingapproach would be to design a device with some type of self-startingmechanism. This might involve some type of timing mechanism, or amechanism initiated by the impact of deployment for example. The thirdmethod of hands-free activation would be a device that could be primed,or started prior to deployment, that is then able to operatecontinuously throughout and after deployment. It can be appreciated thatin the typical application of a remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice, some type of self-starting or hands-free activation is requiredafter deployment.

It is also desirable that a remotely deployable vapor delivery deviceachieve a final orientation that allows it to operate effectively. It iscommon for standard vapor delivery devices to require a particularupright position in order to operate most effectively, or in some cases,to operate at all. In the case of a remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice, if the designed device requires a particular orientation to bemost effective, then it should be self-righting, i.e. automaticallyorienting itself to the desired orientation after deployment. Automaticorientation of the device, or equivalently a “self-righting” feature,implies that the device achieves a desirable or effective operatingposition by itself after deployment, in a hands-free manner, withoutcontact or manual intervention.

Furthermore, it would be desirable for remotely deployable vapordelivery device to operate for a significant amount of time. Forexample, if one is interested in keeping rodents or pests out of acabinet, typically one would like to do so for as long as possible,ideally for weeks or months as opposed to only a few days or less. Thelifetime of the device is typically determined by the total supply ofthe vapor producing substance stored within it, as well as the vapordelivery, or usage rate. It is desirable then that the device makes themost efficient use of the stored vapor producing substance. Given thatthere is typically a desirable vapor delivery rate to be effective for agiven application, it would be desirable to maintain an approximatelyconstant vapor delivery rate at that level. A higher vapor delivery ratewould typically not be more effective, and would waste the limitedsupply of stored vapor producing substance, shortening the lifetime ofthe device. A vapor delivery rate less than the effective rate wouldobviously imply that the device is not functioning in a desirable mannerand is not being effective. Thus, in addition to maximizing the storedvolume of vapor producing substance, it is also highly desirable in aremotely deployable vapor delivery device, to maintain the vapordelivery rate at an approximately constant, effective level. Achievingboth of these features would give the device the longest effectiveoperating lifetime for a given device size.

A separate feature that is desirable in a remotely deployable vapordelivery device is that it is non-energized, requiring no stored orexternal power, A non-energized device is more convenient for remotedeployment since it would be difficult to plug in a device once deployedin a hard to reach location, as well as difficult to deploy a devicewith an attached power cord. On board storage of power, such as the useof batteries, would include three disadvantages. One disadvantage wouldbe the possibility that the device becomes ineffective when thebatteries run out, the second is that this would require theinconvenience and expense of changing the batteries, and the thirddisadvantage is that the batteries and associated circuitry wouldconsume device volume that could otherwise be used for additionalstorage of the vapor producing substance, effectively shortening theoperating lifetime of such a device.

An additional feature that is desirable in a remotely deployable vapordelivery device is that it is tamper resistant. Particularly with theapplication of repelling rodents or pests, it is desirable to preventthem from disassembling or dismantling any part of the device andrendering it nonfunctional. It is also desirable to keep pets and smallchildren from possibly taking the device apart, making it inoperable orpossibly harming themselves with its components. For remotely deployabledevices, it would be expected that the location of the deployed devicewould typically make it inaccessible already.

Another desirable feature for a remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice is that it is easily retrievable. At some point the device willexceed its useful operating lifetime and at such a time it would bedesirable to retrieve the device to refill or replace it. In the case ofremote deployment, it may be difficult for a person to easily reach thedevice with their hands. In this application it would be desirable todesign the device in such a way that it could easily and conveniently beretrieved with a retrieval apparatus, such as a thin rod, stick, wire orstring.

To summarize regarding the desirable features of a remotely deployablevapor delivery device, it is desirable to have a device with featuresthat include a relatively compact size, an approximately spherical outergeometry, robust materials and attachments, continuous hands-free,remote or self-starting operation once deployed, self-righting to adesirable operating position, an approximately constant vapor deliveryrate, maximized storage volume of the vapor producing substance, thelongest possible operating lifetime, non-energized operation, tamperresistance and the ability to be easily retrieved.

One example of the application of a remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice is to the repelling of rodents or other vermin from known entrypoints to a particular area such a house, garage, shed, workplace or anyother desired area. This approach differs from other strategies such asconstructing barriers that block access, setting traps, or setting outpoisonous bait. The use of repelling vapors is a method in which thegoal is not to trap or kill the vermin, but simply to keep them away. Inthis sense, this particular application of a remotely deployable vapordelivery device is an “animal friendly” approach. It also has theadvantage that the user does not need to deal with any live, dead orinjured animals in the process of keeping them out of the desired area.

For rodent repelling applications, due to the typical presence of peopleor pets in the general vicinity of deployment, it is advantageous if therepelling vapors would be comprised of natural, nontoxic substances.Ideally such a repelling vapor would be noxious and offensive to vermin,but not pose a hazard to humans, pets or the environment. It would alsobe desirable if the odor of the repelling vapor used were pleasing topeople.

In the first embodiment, the device presented in this applicationcomprises an approximately spherical ball with a vented top-half and asolid hollow bottom half. In the first embodiment, the hollow bottomhalf includes the interior portion which contains the desired vaporproducing substance. The hollow hemispherical bottom half, incombination with an interior lid, forms an integrated reservoir thatcontains the vapor producing substance, typically a liquid or oil fromwhich the desired vapor will be produced. Additionally, in the firstembodiment, a wick is placed inside the hollow reservoir and protrudesthrough a small hole in the lid of the integrated reservoir and into thevented hemispherical top half, forming an evaporative surface from whichthe vapor emanates. The vapor is then in contact with the surroundingair due to the vented hemispherical top half of the device. Due to therelatively constant surface area of the wick, the vapor evaporates fromit at an approximately constant rate. In this first embodiment,capillary action will continually draw fluid from the reservoir to theexposed evaporative surface until the reservoir is depleted. The deviceof the first embodiment can be primed through a simple action such asinverting it and letting gravity drive the liquid to the exposed portionof the wick which forms the evaporative surface. Once primed, the devicewill operate continually and hands-free, not requiring any contact,manipulation, stored power or external power. In the first embodiment,the device includes a weight distribution with the center-of-mass in thehemispherical bottom half of the approximately spherical structure,which in turn causes the device to be “self-righting” when deployed. Avertical orientation allows the device to operate efficiently and withthe longest operating lifetime, because the vapor delivery is controlledby the capillary action of the wick. In the first embodiment, the ventedhemispherical top half also provides for tamper resistance, because itencloses the evaporative surface. In the first embodiment, a pin andslot design requires a twisting motion to attach the upper and lowerhalves of the device, which provides additional tamper resistance.

The second embodiment of the device presented in this applicationincludes a small flat surface at the lowermost portion of the bottomhalf to aid in the self-righting capability of the device. The smallflat surface will provide a natural tendency for the device to stoprolling or rocking once it is close the optimal vertical orientation.The small flat surface also provides some resistance to changes inorientation that might occur if the device is disturbed afterdeployment. The second embodiment also includes a small magnetic portionso that the device can be easily retrieved with a simple retrievaldevice such as a second magnet on the end of a pole or string.

This patent application describes a vapor delivery device which combinesnecessary and desirable features to be conveniently and effectivelydeployed in a difficult or hard to reach location. A first advantage ofthe first embodiment of the device in this application is that itincludes an approximately spherical shape, which makes the deviceconveniently tossed or rolled and also allows the volume of stored vaporproducing substance to be maximized. A second advantage of this firstembodiment is that it can be fabricated in a relatively compact size.The third advantage of the first embodiment of the device described inthis application is that it includes a means for maintaining anapproximately constant vapor delivery rate. This provides for thelongest possible operating lifetime by efficiently using the limitedvolume of stored vapor producing substance. The fourth advantage of thefirst embodiment is that it includes a hands-free activation capability.The fifth advantage of the first embodiment includes a weightdistribution that makes the device self-righting after deployment. Thesixth advantage of the first embodiment includes that it is tamperresistant. The seventh advantage of the first embodiment is that it isnon-energized. The eighth advantage of the first embodiment includesthat it features a modest number of low cost parts that are readilymanufactured and assembled. A second embodiment is described in thisapplication which includes additional features and advantages. The firstadvantage of the second embodiment includes a self-righting ability thatis further enhanced. A second advantage of the second embodimentincludes a feature that makes the device easily retrieved.

These advantages give the embodiments of the remotely deployable vapordelivery device described in this application a utility that does notexist in previous art. The remotely deployable vapor delivery devicedescribed here is a superior device in that it is able to modify the airin a hard to reach locations in a convenient, effective and costeffective manner. These and other advantages of one or more aspects ofthe of the device presented in this application will become apparentfrom a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanyingdrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a completelyassembled device.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the details of interior components of a device describedherein.

FIG. 4 shows the details of an example of a fastening mechanism for thetwo halves of the device in a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the completelyassembled device.

FIG. 6 shows and exploded view of the device of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the remotely deployablevapor delivery device consists of a vented hemispherical top half (1)attached to a hollow hemispherical bottom half (2). In combination, whenthe two halves of the device are attached together, they form anapproximately spherical structure. The preferred diameter of theattached, approximately spherical structure is 1.875″, in order to fitinto spaces less then 2″ in extent. The vented hemispherical top half(1) contains numerous vent holes (3) so that air can flow freely throughit. In this manner the airflow of the vented hemispherical top half (1)is able to mix, by drift and diffusion, with the air in the environmentsurrounding the device. The hemispherical bottom half (2) is attached toa reservoir lid (5) forming an integrated reservoir (4), which is theportion of the device that contains the vapor producing substance. Theinterior components of the device, as detailed in FIG. 3, consist of areservoir lid (5) with a thru-hole (6) and a wick (7).

When assembled, the wick (7) is in contact with the liquid in theintegrated reservoir (4) and extends thru the thru-hole (6) in thereservoir lid (5) and into the upper half of the device, where the outersurface of the wick forms an evaporative surface (8). In the firstembodiment, the reservoir lid (5) is attached to the upper surface ofthe hemispherical bottom half (2) using an adhesive material that is notshown. The thru-hole (6) is of a diameter slightly smaller than thediameter of the wick (7), in order that the thru-hole (6) squeezes thewick (7) slightly to form a tight enough seal that minimizes evaporationof the vapor producing substance directly from the reservoir (4) to thesurrounding air. In the first embodiment, the fibrous wick (7) is 0.125″in diameter and the thru hole (6) is 0.09375″ in diameter. The optimaloperating position is when the device of the first embodiment ispositioned such that the central axis of the device (9) is oriented andaligned with a vertical direction.

In the first embodiment, the two halves of the device are constructedseparately, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 it can beseen that the vented hemispherical top half (1) includes protruding pinstructures (10 a and 10 b) that fit into a matching recessed slotstructures (11 a and 11 b) in the flat upper portion of thehemispherical bottom half (2), allowing the two halves to be securelyassembled by inserting the protruding pin structures (10 a and 10 b)into the recessed slot structures (11 a and 11 b) and twisting slightly.For clarity, a detailed view of one of the first embodiment protrudingpins (10 a) and one of the first embodiment recessed slot structures (11a) are shown in FIG. 4.

During operation of the first and second embodiments of the device, thewick (7) absorbs the vapor producing substance or fluid in theintegrated reservoir (4), whereupon it is transported by capillaryaction up the wick (7), thru the thru-hole (6) in the reservoir lid (4)and reaches the evaporative surface (8). The desired air-modifying vaporis then formed by evaporation of the vapor producing substance from theevaporative surface (8). The desired vapor is then able to drift and/ordiffuse through the vent holes (3) and thereby mix with the air in theenvironment surrounding the device. The vapor will continue to bedelivered in this manner to the air surrounding the device until thevapor producing substance in the integrated reservoir (4) is depleted.The capillary action is driven by the continual evaporation of the fluidfrom the evaporative surface (8) along with surface tension forces ofthe fluid contained within the wick, which pulls the fluid along thewick, up from the reservoir (4) to the evaporative surface (8). In onenon-limiting application of the device, the liquid contained in thereservoir (4) is 100% peppermint oil and the vapor produced is used torepel rodents such as mice or rats.

It can be appreciated that the device, as described in this firstembodiment, would need to be primed at the start in order for the vapordelivery to be initiated. That is to say, that the wick (7) and theevaporative surface (8) must be damp with fluid at the start ofoperation. This can be readily accomplished at the start by filling thereservoir and assembling the reservoir lid and attaching the twohemispherical halves of the device, and then manually tipping the deviceupside down (causing the hemispherical bottom half (2) to be above thevented hemispherical top half (1)). In this position, gravity will causethe fluid in the reservoir (4) to be transported downward along the wick(7), eventually saturating the evaporative surface (8). With the exposedportion of the wick (7) thus saturated, the device can then be returnedto the upright position with the top half (1) above the hemisphericalbottom half (2). At this point the device is then primed and will beginto deliver the desired vapor to the surrounding air. The device willthen operate continuously and can then be deployed by placing it uprightor remotely deployed by rolling or tossing it into position, such asbehind cabinets, within walls or in other hard to reach locations. Onceprimed in this manner and deployed, the device will continue to operateafter deployment, with the fluid being continually drawn from thereservoir by capillary action, until the vapor producing substance inthe reservoir (4) is depleted. It is important to note that this type ofoperation is non-energized and completely hands-free; requiring nomanual intervention once the device is deployed.

Removing the reservoir lid (5) allows access to the hollow integratedreservoir (4) for the initial loading of the vapor producing substance,for example, 100% peppermint oil. Once the reservoir lid (5) isinstalled, it functions to seal the integrated reservoir (4), except forthe protruding wick (7) extending thru the thru hole (6). The wick (7)contacts the liquid solution in the integrated reservoir (4) and alsoforms the evaporative surface (8) that contacts the exposed air insidethe vented hemispherical top half (1) of the device. The wick (7) shouldcontact the entire depth of the integrated reservoir (4) in order thatall of the vapor producing substance will eventually be drawn thru thewick (7) over the lifetime of the device. The wick (7) should alsocontact a substantial portion of the volume of the integrated reservoir(4) in order to further ensure that all of the solution will contact aportion of the wick (7), even if the device is not deployed in aperfectly vertical position. This ensures that the device will stilloperate successfully, even in the event that when it is deployed, it issomehow blocked from attaining a perfectly vertical position.

It can be appreciated to those skilled in the art, that the capillaryaction fluid delivery mechanism described herein would give anapproximately constant vapor delivery rate, with the vapor delivery ratebeing driven primarily by the evaporation rate of the fluid from theevaporative surface (8). The evaporation rate would be determinedpredominantly by the vapor pressure of the desired fluid, the surfacearea of the evaporative surface (8) and the ambient temperature. For agiven air-modifying fluid and temperature, the length of the exposedportion of the wick (7) forming the evaporative surface (8) can beadjusted to give the desired vapor delivery rate as required for thedesired effect. In the first embodiment, the exposed portion of the wick(7) forming the evaporative surface is 0.125″ in diameter and 3″ inlength. This exposed portion lies on top of the reservoir lid (5) in thevented hemispherical top half (1) of the device as shown in FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. By setting the constant vapor delivery rate to just the amountrequired for effectiveness in the desired application, the operationallifetime of the device can be maximized. Optionally, the user can setthe delivery rate to slightly higher than required, by increasing thelength of the exposed portion of the wick (7) so that the device willremain effective even with minor temperature variations.

In the first embodiment, the device is also naturally self-righting andwill seek the optimal vertical position when tossed or rolled. Thenumerous vent holes (3) of the vented hemispherical top half (1), ascompared to the solid-walled, liquid containing integrated reservoir (4)of the hemispherical bottom half (2) causes the center of mass of theassembled device to be contained within the volume of the of the bottomhemispherical bottom half (2). The low center of mass of theapproximately spherical device causes gives an inherent self-rightingfeature to the operation of the device. In other words, when tossed orrolled, and when unobstructed, the device will naturally settle into anupright position with the vented hemispherical top half (1) above thehemispherical bottom half (2) without manual intervention, as depictedin FIG. 1. This is due simply to the fact that an unobstructed sphericalobject, with a weight distribution such that its center-of-mass that isnot at its geometrical center, will tend to reduce gravitationalpotential energy by settling into a position with its center-of-mass atthe lowest position possible. In the case of the first embodiment, thismeans that the device will tend to settle with the more massive, fluidcontaining hemispherical bottom half (2) on the bottom, and the ventedhemispherical top half (1) on top. Additionally, the larger mass of thesolid walls of the hemispherical bottom half (2) of the device, asopposed to the lighter mass of the vented hemispherical top half (1),ensures that even as the vapor producing substance in the integratereservoir (4) becomes depleted, the center of mass of the device willremain in the hemispherical bottom half of the assembled device and itwill tend to remain upright, even if disturbed.

This vertical position is the optimal position for the long termoperation of the device, ensuring that the fluid transport from thereservoir (4) to the evaporative surface (8) is controlled by capillaryaction. An ideal vertical position to provide a maximum operationallifetime would be with the vertical axis (9) of the approximatelyspherical device of FIG. 1 to be exactly vertically aligned. This is notcritical however and nearly ideal operation would be achieved with thevertical axis (9) aligned within 30° of vertical. In the case of adeployed device that is obstructed and does not attain an ideal uprightposition, with a portion of the integrated reservoir (4) above a portionof the evaporative surface (8), then the there would be a tendency forthe fluid delivery to be enhanced by gravitationally driven flow. Inthis non-ideal case, the fluid in the reservoir would have a tendency tobe depleted slightly more rapidly, somewhat shortening the operationallifetime of the device. It can be appreciated then, that theself-righting nature of the device, in this first embodiment, is a keyfeature to its optimal operation and in particular to achieving a longoperating lifetime. It can also be appreciated that even in anon-optimal position; the device would still operate successfully,simply for a shorter period of time, determined by the actual deployedorientation.

It can also be appreciated that the construction of the device, with avented hemispherical top half (1) can be designed optimally to protectthe evaporative surface (8) portion of the wick (7) from tampering byvermin, pets or people. This tamper resistant design is accomplishedthrough the protective nature of the vented hemispherical top half (1)of the device with its small but numerous vent holes (3). In the firstembodiment, the vent holes (3) of the vented hemispherical top half (1)are approximately 0.125″ in diameter, with a center to center spacing of0.1875″. It can be appreciated that a range of sizes and shaped can beused for the vent holes, with the desired features being that the aircan flow freely through the vented hemispherical top half (1) of thedevice while access through the vent holes (3) for typical toes, teethand fingers of typical vermin, pets or people is prevented.

It is possible that the user of this remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice might desire to change the vapor delivery rate when deployed. Forexample, this might be the case if there is a sizable temperaturedifference to be expected after deployment. Another example might be anunusually small volume of area of deployment. For application in highertemperatures, it would be desirable to increase the length of theevaporative surface (8), to maintain the optimal vapor delivery rate,and for lower temperatures, to shorten the length of the evaporativesurface (8).

During operation, the remotely deployable vapor delivery device willtypically be tossed or rolled. In order to be tossed or rolled, thevented hemispherical top half (1), hemispherical bottom half (2), andall the parts and attachments contained therein must be of suitabledurability to withstand the stresses, strains and shocks which willoccur upon the impacts due to tossing and rolling or a combinationthereof. The strength and durability is determined by the material ofwhich these components are constructed, as well as the geometry,including the radius of the vented hemispherical top half (1) andhemispherical bottom half (2), the thickness of the structural materialwhich forms the vented hemispherical top half (1) and hemisphericalbottom half (2) as well as the size and number of the vent holes (3). Inthe first embodiment, in order to accomplish the required strength anddurability, the vented hemispherical top half (1) is constructed of adurable material such as polypropylene. In the first embodiment theradius of the hemispherical portion of the vented hemispherical top half(1) is approximately 0.9375″, the vent holes (3) are approximately0.125″ in diameter and have at least a 0.1875″ center to center spacing.In the first embodiment, the thickness of the structural material thatforms the hemispherical portion of the vented hemispherical top half (1)is approximately 0.0625″. Additionally, the fastening mechanismcomprised of the protruding pins (10 a and 10 b) and matching recessedslots (11 a and 11 b) must be of sufficient strength and holding powerto withstand the stresses, strains and shocks that occur during theprocess of deploying the device.

In the first embodiment, the bottom half (2) contains an integratedreservoir (4) which is sealed with a reservoir lid (5) through which awick (7) extends thru a thru-hole (6), such that it contacts both thecontents of the reservoir (4) as well as the airflow in the upper half(2) of the device. In the first embodiment, the hemispherical bottomhalf (2) matches the vented hemispherical top half (1) and is also0.9375″ in diameter, in order to form an overall approximately sphericalstructure when assembled. In the first embodiment, the hemisphericalbottom half (2) with integrated reservoir (4) and reservoir lid (5) arealso constructed of a durable material such as polypropylene, andconstructed of 0.0625″ thickness.

In the first embodiment the reservoir lid (5) contains a 0.09375″ hole(6) through which is penetrated by the wick (7) of approximately 0.125″diameter and 6″ in total length. The evaporative surface (8) is formedby portion of the wick (7) that is protruding from the thru-hole (6) andthis protruding portion is preferably 3″ in length. The remainder of thewick (7) is in contact with the vapor producing substance inside theintegrated reservoir (4) and this portion is preferably 3″ in length.The length of the wick (7) is intentionally longer than that required toreach the bottom of the integrated reservoir (4) in order to allow forany desired adjustments in the length of that portion of the wick (7)that forms the evaporative surface (8). The wick (7) of the firstembodiment is comprised of a fibrous, wicking material such as ordinarycotton string, available at any typical craft store, hardware store ordrugstore.

A key feature to the optimal performance of a remotely deployed vapordelivery device is that it is able to operate for the maximum possiblelifetime. The longest operational lifetime is attained by maximizing thevolume of the integrated reservoir (4). However, this must be balancedwith the requirement that the overall size of the device be keptrelatively small, in order for it to be deployed in hard to reachlocations which are often constricted in size in at least one dimension.Typical locations behind cabinets or within walls may only have aclearance of 2″ or less. For a given minimum clearance, the geometry fora deployable device with the largest possible volume is a sphericalshape with a diameter slightly smaller than the minimum clearance. Thefirst embodiment has an outside diameter of 1.875″.

The theoretical maximum hemispherical volume of a 1.875″ diameterhemispherical bottom half (2), not including wall thicknesses, would be23 milliliters. Accounting for the volume of the wall and lid of theintegrated reservoir (4), assuming a 0.0625″ wall and lid thicknesswould result in a usable volume of approximately 20 ml. A prototypedevice with a 15 ml reservoir and a 6″ long wick with 3″ exposed as anevaporative surface (8), maintained a dampened wick for approximately 4months at room temperature. Therefore, it is expected that the device asdescribed in the first embodiment, with a 20 ml reservoir, and a 6″ wickwith a 3″ exposed length forming the evaporative surface should lastproportionately longer, or 4 to 6 months, depending on the ambienttemperature.

A drawing of a second embodiment of the remotely deployable vapordelivery device is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. FIG. 5 shows an assembledview of the second embodiment and FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of thesecond embodiment. In addition to the features and components of thefirst embodiment, this second embodiment includes the additional featureof a magnetic mass (12) attached to the interior of the hemisphericalbottom half (2). The second embodiment also includes the additionalfeature of a small flat surface (13) at the lowermost portion of thehemispherical bottom half (2).

In the second embodiment, the ability to remotely deploy this device isfurther enhanced by attaching a magnetic mass (12). The magnetic mass(12) can be attached to the device by any convenient method, for exampleby adhesive or mechanical fastening. The magnetic mass (12) makes thedevice easy to retrieve from a hard to reach location with a simpleretrieval device such as a second magnet on the end of a rod or string.The size and mass of the magnetic mass (12) should be designed such thatits weight does not substantially reduce the ability to roll the deviceduring deployment, but also large enough that sufficient magnetic forceis generated to retrieve the device with a second magnet. In the firstembodiment, a ¼ diameter cobalt magnet is used as the magnetic mass(12). A ferrous or other magnetic metal may also be used as the magnetsmass.

Convenient retrieval is highly desirable in a device that can bedeployed by tossing or throwing because in some cases, the access pathto the location where the device is deployed may be smaller than atypical person's hand or wrist, and/or further than the length of atypical person's arm. It is also highly desirable to be able to retrievethe device in the event that the initial deployment does not reach thedesired location, such as might be described by a “bad” toss or throw.In this case, the user would like to be able to retrieve the device sothat they can deploy it again. It can also be appreciated that for adisabled person or persons, the ability to magnetically attach thedevice magnetically to the end of a long pole or string would beinvaluable not only for retrieval, but also for the initial deploymentof the device as well.

The self-righting tendency of the device is further enhanced in thesecond embodiment by making a small flat surface (13) at the lowestpoint of the hemispherical bottom half (2) of the device. This wouldincrease the tendency of the device to settle into a precisely uprightposition, as well as allowing the device to be conveniently set in aperfectly upright position by the user, if desired. This small flatsurface (13) must be made relatively small in diameter, such that itdoes not interfere or prevent the device from rolling freely at thetypically higher speeds the device will experience when it is initiallydeployed. In the second embodiment, a flat spot of 3/16″ diameter isformed in the outer surface of the hemispherical bottom half (2) of thedevice.

The first embodiment is constructed with an overall diameter ofapproximately 1.875″. It is apparent that the same device can beconstructed with a range of diameters. The overall diameter affects theavailable storage volume of the integrated reservoir (4) and hence theoverall operating lifetime of the device. The overall diameter alsoaffects the access opening size required to deploy the device in remotelocations. The smaller the overall diameter of the device, the easier itis to deploy through smaller and smaller access openings. It is apparentthat the device could be constructed in a range of sizes. The devicecould be fabricated to microscopically small sizes, provided suitablemanufacturing techniques and materials are used. The device could alsobe fabricated to many inches in diameter, for example, up to 18″ indiameter. A larger size device would be suitable for larger vapordelivery applications, including deterring larger animals.

In terms of material construction of the device, the ventedhemispherical top half (1) and the hemispherical bottom half (2) can befabricated from different materials than described in the firstembodiment, including different types of polymers, plastic, composites,ceramic, metal or wood. For example, the vented hemispherical top half(1) could be fabricated from a metal or plastic mesh or screen. It isalso not required that various components of the device are constructedfrom the same materials.

It is also apparent that a variety of designs and geometries could beused for the vent holes (3) in the vented hemispherical top half (1) ofthe device without deviating from the scope of the present invention.For example, the device can be fabricated with the entire top half (1)consisting of vent holes (3) as in the first embodiment or it could havea lesser number of holes or only one hole. The vent holes can be of anynumber, shape or size, with the intention of providing a path for theair contained within the vented hemispherical top half (1) of thedevice, to contact, drift, mix and diffuse with the air immediatelysurrounding the device. It is also apparent that the vent holes (3)could be located in either or both the vented hemispherical top half (1)or bottom half (2) of the device. Adjustable vent holes (3) could alsobe readily incorporated, for example, by fabricating a sliding mechanismthat can be adjusted to open, close or partially close the vent holes.Similarly, the vent holes (3) could be of such a suitable shape and sizethat they are not tamper-resistant from vermin. This could be desirablein applications where the tamper-resistant feature is not necessary orin such cases that the repelling nature of the device keeps the verminaway such that tampering is not an issue.

It can be appreciated that the wick (7) and evaporative surface (8)could be fabricated from a number of different materials, such asplastic, composites, wood or metal. Any material that can be fabricatedin such a manner as to be porous or containing narrow channels therein,could be used to provide a means of a constant vapor delivery rate incombination with a continuous flow of the vapor producing substance. Inaddition, solid materials that do not allow fluid transport directlythrough them could be fabricated with nano scale, micro scale orminiature channels to allow fluid to flow through them as well. In thisway, solid materials could be made to function in the manner describedfor vapor producing substance transport within the device. The deliverymechanism and evaporative surface could also be fabricated fromdifferent materials, such as one being made from plastic and one fromcotton fiber.

Additionally, the delivery mechanism, as described here, uses a 0.125″diameter, 6″ long wick (7). The wick (7) functions as both the deliverymechanism and also the exposed 3″ portion serves as the evaporativesurface (8). It is apparent that the dimensions of the wick (7) could bevaried over a range of lengths and diameters. In non-limiting typicalapplications, the wick (7) could vary from 0.015″ in diameter to 0.25″in diameter. Also in non-limiting typical applications, the wick (7)could vary from 0.25″ in length to 18″ in length. Additionally, theexposed portion of the wick (7), forming the evaporative surface, couldconsist of any fraction of its length. Should the evaporative surface(8) and wick (7) be fabricated from different materials, there relativesizes can be varied as required to give a suitable vapor delivery rate.

Preferably, the fluid delivery mechanism is not energized, meaning thatit does not require an integrated power source, such as a battery or anexternal source of power. However, an energized fluid deliverymechanism, such as a pump or other means, could be implemented as analternative embodiment. For maximal operating lifetime of the device,the energized fluid delivery mechanism would be constructed in order toprovide an approximately constant delivery rate such that all of thefluid in the reservoir is depleted before the battery, or other energysource required to power the fluid delivery, is also depleted.Alternatively, an energized fluid delivery mechanism could also be usedto optimize the fluid delivery for a temporary period of time, in orderto optimize the lifetime and or effectiveness of the device. Such adesign for example, might include a mechanism that temporarily increasesthe fluid flow and hence vapor delivery rate when an integrated sensingmechanism detects motion, sound or the presence or rodents.

Other alternative embodiments include different materials and designsfor the evaporative surface (8). The evaporative surface (8) of thisinvention can be fabricated from any material which allows the fluiddelivered to it to be exposed to the airflow surrounding the device whendeployed. The evaporative surface (8) could be fabricated from plastics,textile materials, composites, wood or metal. In one embodiment, amaterial such as a semi-permeable membrane could be used, to control thefluid delivery and evaporation process, allowing vapor to be emittedfrom the reservoir while preventing fluid from flowing directly throughthe semi-permeable membrane. In an alternative embodiment, theevaporative surface (8) can be integrated into one of the othercomponents of the device, such as the reservoir lid (5), the ventedhemispherical top half (1) or hemispherical bottom half (2) of thedevice. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the evaporativesurface could be energized or enhanced to improve the effectiveness ofthe air-modifying nature of the device. In this alternative embodiment,the evaporation rate could be increased, for example by heating, toincrease the evaporation rate as desired.

The self-righting feature is a key component of the first embodimentbecause it provides a mechanism for the device to attain a verticalposition without manual intervention, as is the case in remotedeployment. In the first embodiment, the device is designed with acenter-of-mass that is contained within the volume of the bottom half(2) of an approximately spherical device, thus giving it a naturaltendency to roll into an upright and vertical position as shown inFIG. 1. In addition, in the second embodiment, a small flat (13) isplaced at the lowest portion of the bottom half (2) in order to enhancethe tendency to settle and remain in this optimal position. The smallflat (13) can apparently be designed with different dimensions,particularly as the overall size of the device is varied.

It is readily apparent that an approximately spherical shape can beachieved with a number of spherically related shapes, including but notlimited to such shapes as oval, egg-shaped or elliptical. Each of theseand other generally spherical shapes could accomplish the essentialfeatures of being able to toss or roll the device and have it beself-righting. Additionally, the outer surface of the device could havesmall facets, dimples, flats or protrusions and still be consideredapproximately spherical. In one alternative embodiment, the interiorcomponents of the device are freely rotating and seek an optimalvertical position independently of the approximately spherical outershell of the device.

Another key design component of this device is the integrated reservoir(4) that maximizes the stored volume of the desired fluid for a givendevice size. In the first embodiment, the reservoir is integrated intothe hemispherical bottom half (2) of the device, with the benefits ofsimplified manufacturing and also resulting in the center-of-mass of thedevice being within the volume of the hemispherical bottom half (2) ofthe device. In an alternative embodiment, the integrated reservoir isfabricated wholly or partially in both the vented hemispherical top half(1), and hemispherical bottom half (2) of the device, providingadditional volume for fluid storage. In one such embodiment, thespherically shaped bottom half (2) would be altered to actually comprisethe majority of the overall spherical structure of the device and thevented hemispherical top half (1) in that case would comprise only asmall portion of the overall spherical structure. In this case theintegrated reservoir (4) could be formed with a larger portion of thetotal volume of the overall approximately spherical device. In order tostill maintain the self-righting nature of the device in thisembodiment, the overall center-of-mass of the device should still be inthe hemispherical bottom half of the overall structure. This could beaccomplished, for example, using the technique of the additionalmagnetic mass (12) as described in the second embodiment, and increasingthe weight of the additional magnetic mass (12) in the bottom half (2)of the device, or by some other integrated self-righting mechanism.

In another alternative embodiment of this device, the integratedreservoir (4) could be comprised of a solid, porous, or semi porousmaterial that is saturated with the desired solution. In a separateembodiment, the reservoir consists of a chamber filled with a compressedor pressurized form of the desired vapor. The key feature of thereservoir (4) is that a substantial volume of the desired solution orsource material for the air-modifying vapor is stored within a confinedregion of the device. In the first embodiment, the reservoir isintegrated into the bottom half (2) of the device, however, inalternative embodiments, the reservoir can be a separate component,attached or otherwise contained anywhere within the volume of theoverall device.

A key feature of the second embodiment is that the device is easilyretrieved by a convenient means such as with a magnetic material usedfor the additional mass (9). This allows the device to be retrieved uponthe completion of its operational lifetime, when the device isimproperly deployed, to adjust the device in some manner or change itslocation. This feature also facilitates deployment and retrieval byindividuals with handicaps or disabilities. It can be appreciated thatthere could be a number of alternative embodiments regarding theretrieval of the device. The device can be designed to be retrieved bymagnetic, electrostatic, mechanical or adhesive elements. The retrievalcomponent of the device could be a separate material or structureattached to the structure of the device, or could also be integrated asa feature or part of one of the other components of the device. Forexample, the bottom half (2) could be fabricated from a magneticmaterial. Additionally the device could be designed such that anelectrostatic attraction causes the device to be attached to the end ofan oppositely charged retrieval mechanism, or an adhesive mechanismcould be used to attach a retrieval mechanism to the device.

It is also possible to fabricate the device with an additionalmechanical connection, comprising a thread or string that is maintainedbetween the deployed device and the end of a retrieval mechanism,allowing the device to be retrieved. In another alternative embodiment,a thread or string is attached to the structure of the device and isheld on to by the user during deployment. In this embodiment the user isstill able to deploy the device by throwing it, and the device can besubsequently retrieved by pulling on the string.

Other alternative embodiments concern the method of attachment of thevarious components of the device, such as the attachment of the ventedhemispherical top half (1) to the hemispherical bottom half (2) or thereservoir lid (5) to the bottom half (2). It can be appreciated thatthere are a number of methods by which two hemispherical halves (1 and2) and reservoir lid (5) could be securely attached to each other, andit is appreciated that the protruding pins (10 a and 10 b) and matchingrecessed grooves (11 a and 11 b) represent but one possible option foraccomplishing the attachment. For example, a plurality of protruding pinstructures (10 a and 10 b) of alternate designs could be used incombination with a plurality of matching recessed slot structures (11 aand 11 b), also of alternate but matching designs. It is also possibleto rearrange the locations of the protruding pin structures (10 a and 10b) and recessed slot structures (11 a and 11 b), to be located on thedifferent components of the device, including any combination ofprotruding pin structures (10 a and 10 b) and matching recessed slotstructures (11 a and 11 b) on the hemispherical upper half (1)hemispherical bottom half (2) and reservoir lid (5).

The two halves could equivalently be attached any number of methods,such as the non-limiting examples of matching grooves or threads,adhesives, fasteners, chemical bonding, magnetic or electrostatic means.It is also possible that the vented hemispherical top half (1) andhemispherical bottom half (2) are designed such that they are integratedtogether as one component in the manufacturing process. In this case thevented hemispherical top half (1) and hemispherical bottom half (2) arealready chemically bonded together as part of the manufacturing process.Similarly, the reservoir lid (5) can be attached to the top portion ofthe reservoir by a variety of methods, such as matching grooves orthreads, adhesives, fasteners, chemical bonding, magnetic orelectrostatic means. Additionally, the integrated reservoir could bedesigned in such a fashion that the reservoir lid (5) is alreadyintegrated with the reservoir, is of a non-circular shape, or that areservoir lid (5) is not required.

Alternative embodiments include integrating various components andfeatures of the device together. For example, in one embodiment, thevented hemispherical top half (1), hemispherical bottom half (2) couldbe integrated together. In an alternative embodiment, the ventedhemispherical top half (1), hemispherical bottom half (2), reservoir lid(5), wick (7) and evaporative surface (8) could all be integrated as asingle component in the manufacturing process. Additionally, theinterior components of the device, the reservoir (4), wick (7),evaporative surface (8) could be integrated into a single component. Inone such embodiment, the reservoir (4), wick (7) and evaporative surface(8) are integrated into a single material which has absorbed within itor otherwise contains a solid or liquid form of the desiredair-modifying vapor. In this case the integrated material performs thefunction of the reservoir (4) wick (7) and evaporative surface (8). Forexample, in this embodiment, an absorbed cotton ball or gel containingthe desired vapor element could be enclosed in an approximatelyspherical vented shell.

In one integrated embodiment of the remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice, the entire device is integrated into a spherical structure whoseinterior forms the integrated reservoir (4) and whose exterior sphericalsurface functions to accomplish the fluid transport and also providesthe evaporative surface (8). One non-limiting example of this embodimentwould be the case where the surface of the spherical structure consistsof a semi-permeable membrane, or other structure fashioned such thatfluid from the interior cannot escape the device, but that vapor fromthe interior is able to escape through the outer surface.

It is also apparent that the current device could be constructed with aplurality of integrated reservoirs (4) containing a plurality of vaporproducing substances as an alternative embodiment. The device couldinclude a plurality of means for connecting a plurality of evaporativesurfaces (8) to the plurality of integrated reservoirs (4) in order toprovide continuous flow of a plurality of vapor producing substances.Alternatively, the device could be constructed to use a single transportand evaporative mechanism in contact with the plurality of integratedreservoirs (4) and the plurality of evaporative surfaces (8).

From the descriptions and drawings presented in this application, thereader will see at least one embodiment of a remotely deployable vapordelivery device that can be conveniently and effectively used in hard toreach locations. The advantages of the first embodiment described inthis application includes a device that can be conveniently tossed orrolled, provides a maximal amount of stored vapor producing material, iscompact in size, includes a means for maintaining a continuous flow andapproximately constant vapor delivery rate, provides for the longestpossible operating lifetime by efficiently using the limited volume ofstored vapor producing substance, includes a hands-free activationcapability, includes a weight distribution that makes the deviceself-righting after deployment, is tamper resistant, is non-energized,and includes a modest number of low cost parts that are readilymanufactured and assembled. A second embodiment is described in thisapplication which includes the additional advantages of enhancedself-righting capability and easy retrieval.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations in scope, but rather as anexemplification of the embodiments thereof. Many other variations arepossible. For example, the reservoir could be sealed with a gasket oro-ring, which might require the added feature of a seat for the gasketor groove for the placement of the o-ring. Another example might be toadd a small amount of adhesive material or putty to the protruding pinstructures (10 a and 10 b) and/or recessed slot structures (11 a and 11b) in order to further secure the attachment of the structuralcomponents of the device. Similarly, the device could be fabricated in avariety of different colors, out of a variety of different materials andof alternate sizes.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification. It isintended that the specification and Figures be considered as exemplaryonly, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A remotely deployable vapor delivery devicecomprising: a generally spherical ball with an entirely unobstructedspherical outer surface; a reservoir positioned inside the sphericalball, the reservoir containing a vapor producing substance, and whereinthe reservoir is permanently sealed except for a thru-hole containing anevaporative surface; the evaporative surface positioned inside the ballso that the evaporative surface is in a hollow portion in the ball, theevaporative surface also extending, in part, into the reservoir and incontact with the vapor producing substance; wherein the spherical ballfurther comprises a vent hole between the hollow portion through to theoutside of the sphere; wherein substantially half of the inside of thespherical ball comprises the hollow portion having vent holes therein,and the other half of the spherical ball comprises the reservoir; andwherein the device has a center-of-mass in the portion of the sphericalball that comprises the reservoir.
 2. A remotely deployable vapordelivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the spherical ballfurther comprises a plurality of vent holes between the hollow portionthrough to the outside of the sphere.
 3. A remotely deployable vapordelivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the evaporative surfacecomprises a wicking fiber.
 4. A remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice as described in claim 1, further comprising a second reservoirpositioned inside the spherical ball and containing a second vaporproducing substance, and wherein the second reservoir is substantiallysealed; and further comprising a second evaporative surface positionedinside the ball so that the second evaporative surface is in the hollowportion and extends, in part, into the second reservoir and in contactwith the second vapor producing substance.
 5. A remotely deployablevapor delivery device as described in claim 1, further comprising aretrieval component to facilitate retrieval of the device afterdeployment.
 6. A remotely deployable vapor delivery device as describedin claim 1, further comprising a magnetic mass portion near the surfaceof the spherical ball and proximate the reservoir, wherein the ball isbiased to a rest position where the reservoir is substantially below thehollow portion.
 7. A remotely deployable vapor delivery device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the generally spherical ball comprises anexterior flat surface portion.
 8. A remotely deployable vapor deliverydevice as described in claim 1, wherein the flat surface portion isadjacent the reservoir inside the sphere.